Andy Montoya
Feta is a great cheese to cook with and can be used to top a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. If your local grocer doesn't carry crumbled feta, you can easily crumble it yourself at home. All you need is a block or slice of feta cheese and a fork. First, cut off the amount of feta you need with a knife. If your feta is too salty, wash it under cold running water for 5-10 seconds, then gently dry it with a paper towel. Finally, use a fork to break the feta into small pieces. You can also use your hands if you don't mind getting messy!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Feta |
| Tools required | Fork, knife, paper towel, freezer bag |
| Steps | 1. Cut a slice of feta cheese with a knife. 2. If the feta is too salty, wash it under running cold water for 5-10 seconds. 3. Gently dry it with a paper towel. 4. Put it on a plate and crumble it with a fork. |
| Time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing feta cheese
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient that can be used to top off many dishes, from salads to soups. While some supermarkets sell feta crumbles in containers, they can be challenging to find, and the cheese is usually more economical when bought in blocks.
Most grocery stores will carry blocks of feta cheese, which can be crumbled at home. Feta is an excellent cheese to crumble, and most brands will have a suitable texture. If the feta is too salty, it can be washed under running cold water for 5-10 seconds to remove excess salt and brine. The cheese should then be gently dried with a paper towel before crumbling.
To crumble the feta, start by cutting off the desired amount with a knife. The rest of the block can be stored in brine in the fridge for later use. The cheese can then be broken into pieces by hand or with a fork. The size of the crumble will depend on personal preference. An alternative method is to place the cheese in a freezer bag and crumble it inside.
Feta cheese is a great ingredient to cook with, as it does not melt. Instead, it becomes soft and gooey, with a creamy taste. It can be used in dishes such as zucchini fritters, sigara boregi, or stuffed chicken.
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Cutting a slice of feta
If you have a block of feta cheese and only need a slice, you can cut off the required amount with a knife. Feta is a great cheese to cook with and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads. It can be crumbled and used as a topping or cooked into dishes like zucchini fritters or sigara boregi, a recipe for cigar-shaped phyllo rolls.
To cut a slice of feta, you will need a sharp knife and a steady hand. Start by removing the block of feta from its packaging. If the feta is too soft, it may be difficult to slice, so consider firming it up by placing it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Once the cheese is firm, place it on a clean, dry surface and hold it securely with one hand. With your other hand, carefully slice into the cheese, using a gentle sawing motion to cut through the block.
For best results, use a sharp knife that has been well-maintained and cleaned. A serrated knife can be useful when cutting cheese, as it can provide more grip and precision. When slicing, cut slowly and deliberately, taking care not to apply too much pressure, which can crush the cheese. It is also important to ensure your knife is wiped clean between slices to prevent the cheese from sticking and creating an uneven cut.
When storing feta, it is best to keep it in brine in the fridge. This will help to preserve its texture and flavour. If you are not using the entire block at once, you can slice off the desired amount and return the rest to the brine. This will help keep your feta fresh and tasty for longer.
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Reducing saltiness
Feta is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, making it susceptible to bacteria and mould. The brining process, which involves submerging the cheese in a salt solution, is a traditional preservation method that inhibits unwanted microbial growth and prolongs the life of the cheese. However, the salt content in the brine can be as high as 17%, making feta a high-sodium cheese. While some people enjoy the salty taste, others may find it overwhelming.
If you find the saltiness of feta cheese overpowering, there are several methods you can use to reduce it:
- Rinse the feta cheese under cold water: This technique may seem counterintuitive, but it is effective in controlling the flavour of the cheese. Rinsing the cheese with water will help balance out the saltiness, giving it a milder taste. Make sure to rinse the cheese thoroughly for a few minutes.
- Soak the feta in milk: Submerge the feta in a bowl of cold milk, ensuring it is fully covered. The milk's natural sweetness and creaminess will help neutralise the saltiness, resulting in a more balanced flavour. Similar to the water-soaking method, change the milk every few hours. This process typically takes longer than water soaking, so allow the cheese to soak for several hours or overnight.
- Choose a milder variety: Look for feta labelled as "low-sodium" or "reduced-sodium". These varieties undergo a shorter brining process, resulting in a milder flavour profile. If you cannot find these specific types, opt for a softer feta with a higher moisture content, as these tend to be less salty.
- Soak in a lighter brine: If you are making your own feta cheese and it turns out too salty, try soaking it in a lighter brine solution. A saturated brine is used initially to slow down bacterial growth, but it should not be used for long-term storage. Transfer the cheese to a lighter brine (about 8 ounces of salt per gallon of water) for a less salty flavour.
- Use in dishes with other strong flavours: Incorporating feta into recipes with other strong flavours, such as acidic lemon juice, tangy vinegar, or sweet fruits, can help balance its saltiness. Using feta as an ingredient in cooked dishes like pasta, casseroles, or salads allows its flavour to meld with other ingredients, resulting in a more harmonious taste experience.
By using these techniques, you can reduce the saltiness of feta cheese to better suit your taste preferences without compromising its delicious flavour and texture.
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Crumbling with a fork
Crumbling feta cheese with a fork is a super easy method that can be done in just 5 minutes. If you don't need a whole block of feta, start by slicing off the required amount with a knife. If the feta is too salty, you can reduce the saltiness by rinsing it under running cold water for 5-10 seconds. Then, gently dry it with a paper towel. Place the feta on a plate and use a fork to break it into small pieces. You can decide how big or small you want the pieces to be. This method is ideal for recipes that call for crumbled feta cheese, such as salads, soups, or toppings.
Feta cheese is a great option for crumbling as it has a crumbly texture, and it comes in blocks that are easy to find at most groceries. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a salty, creamy taste. When cooked, feta cheese becomes soft and gooey but does not melt like other cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar.
If you don't have a fork, you can also crumble feta cheese with your hands. Simply break the cheese into small pieces with your fingers. This method may be faster and more convenient if you don't have access to a fork. However, using a fork can help to create smaller, more uniform pieces of cheese.
Additionally, there are other methods for crumbling feta cheese that you may find easier. One alternative method is to use a freezer bag. Place the feta cheese in a freezer bag and then use your hands to crumble it inside the bag. This method can help to contain the mess and make it easier to store the crumbled cheese.
In conclusion, crumbling feta cheese with a fork is a simple and quick way to prepare feta cheese for various recipes. By slicing off the desired amount and breaking it into small pieces with a fork, you can create delicious crumbled feta cheese toppings and ingredients. Feta cheese is a versatile and tasty option that can enhance the flavour of many dishes.
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Storing feta cheese
Feta cheese is typically shipped and sold in a salt brine—a combination of water and salt—which acts as a preservative and flavouring agent. To store feta cheese properly, it is important to prevent the cheese from drying out and becoming sour. This can be achieved by storing the cheese in brine, ensuring that it is completely submerged.
If the feta cheese is purchased without brine or the liquid is discarded, it is possible to make your own brine by combining water and salt. Specifically, one source recommends a ratio of 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt, while another suggests 1 quart of water with 3 tablespoons of salt. The brine recipe may vary depending on the origin of the feta cheese; for instance, Greek feta is traditionally preserved in a brine made with 1 quart of water and 3 tablespoons of kosher or coarse salt.
It is essential to ensure that the feta cheese is fully submerged in the brine and stored in an airtight container. If the cheese is not completely covered, it may be exposed to air, leading to drying and a change in flavour. The brine solution can be prepared by boiling the water, adding salt, and allowing it to cool completely before pouring it into the container with the feta cheese.
Additionally, it is recommended to change the brine solution periodically. One source suggests replacing the brine every second week, while another recommends a weekly change for larger quantities of feta cheese. Storing feta cheese in brine helps maintain its texture and flavour, making it a simple and effective method for preserving this popular cheese.
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